Côte d’Ivoire wary of jihadist threat in north 10 years on from major attack
Côte d'Ivoire remains vigilant against jihadist threats, particularly along its borders with Mali and Burkina Faso. The country is still recovering from a major terrorist attack in 2016 that left 19 dead, prompting increased security measures. As regional violence escalates, Ivorian forces are enhancing their operational readiness to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- ▪The 2016 attack in Grand Bassam was claimed by Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb as retaliation for the arrest of its members.
- ▪Côte d'Ivoire has strengthened its military presence in the north, where the threat of jihadism persists due to instability in neighboring countries.
- ▪The number of security personnel in northern Côte d'Ivoire has more than doubled since the Kafolo attack in 2020.
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Ivorian soldiers patrolling on the back of a pick-up truck in Tougbo in the north-east, near the border with Burkina Faso, last October. Photograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenIvorian soldiers patrolling on the back of a pick-up truck in Tougbo in the north-east, near the border with Burkina Faso, last October. Photograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesCôte d’IvoireCôte d’Ivoire wary of jihadist threat in north 10 years on from major attackThreat of jihadism continues to lurk along borders with Mali and Burkina FasoEromo Egbejule in Grand BassamSat 23 May 2026 09.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 23 May 2026 09.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThese days, when she is not organising the annual International Day of Reggae celebrations in Côte d’Ivoire, Rose Ebirim…
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